Dark Echoes - Part 26

The yeoman, six months into his Space Force service deployment as an E-3, rushed into the Admiral's office, breathing heavy, a readout in hand, "Sir! We got word from Odyssey!" The Admiral took the readout and scanned the display. 

The look on the Admiral's face made the air feel suddenly chilled. Hayes was known for being punctual and precise in their LRM’s—this message confirmed the sum of his fears. “You confirmed this information as being from Odyssey?” He wasn’t about to give an order based on a potential counter-intelligence attempt; besides, the cold, steely look on his face caused the yeoman to stand nearly completely still.

The yeoman nodded.

The Admiral read the last paragraph, then locked the readout, intently putting the device on his desk. “Very well. That will be all. Dismissed.”

The yeoman saluted, then turned precisely for the door and walked out of the room.

The Admiral picked up the secure phone on his desk and then dialed the number for the president—

USSC Aurora

Location: CLASSIFIED

“Yes, sir.” The captain acknowledged, hanging up the phone. He was a two-star admiral who knew they should be behind a desk somewhere doing paperwork and overseeing fleet movements in some sector of Union space. This was not the case, they recalled, even though it was supposed to be the ‘normal’ process when someone makes flag. There was such a job available, and it was offered to him, but he declined, requesting a starship command instead, and this was the only such command available and was only available to a very specific pool of military candidates. He was lucky that he got the job, considering one had to be a flag officer to even be considered for it.

The ship was on yellow alert, in silent running—perfectly cloaked, physically, and to any known space-faring sensory system, and standing by for new orders since they had arrived at their current coordinates, which were, predictably, classified. About 50 people knew of Aurora’s existence, only five knew where she was parked, much less their current assignment. Aurora is one of only four of these classifications of the ship, and for many very good reasons. This conversation with the four-star gave them what they were waiting for.

The captain proceeded to the bridge at a fast walking pace. Odyssey’s location, and what they had discovered meant they needed backup. A new target had been designated. Diplomacy was doubtful to work. He had several ideas for how to proceed, though he only liked a few of them; there was one that his gut told him was the most likely to succeed, considering their new orders.

The antigravity lift doors parted horizontally. He stepped forward.

The X.O., a captain by rank, looked over her shoulder then authoritatively declared, “Admiral on the bridge!” getting the crew’s attention immediately.

Because the ship hadn’t been engaged, the crew stood at attention to show respect for their senior mission commander.

“Crew, at ease,” he commanded directly with a steely tone, taking the center seat and turning to the X.O. The bridge crew relaxed and resumed their duties. “Get us on course to the Odyssey. Maximum translight.”

She nodded and immediately relayed the order with a sense of urgency. The order was carried out in seconds.

“Sir?” The X.O. asked.

 “Course laid in, sir! Engaging translight, factor 9.999—ETA: three minutes,” the Helmsman declared.

“Very well,”

“Odyssey found a terrorist dreadnought shipyard,” the X.O.’s spine tingled and the air suddenly felt chilled as she leaned back into her chair. “We’ve been ordered to disable the shipyard. By any means necessary.” His first instinct was to disable, capture, and detain. He hoped that’s all their presence would require, though he had a doubt the mission would go so smoothly. Hopefully destroying the shipyard won’t be necessary? Then he thought about those under his command. With that, his next order was clear, “RED ALERT! Activate the defensive matrix, arm all primary weapons batteries. Enable multi-target vector assault! Prepare to engage!”

*****

Steve H. of Portland, OR told Jordan Foutin, "You are the next Tom Clancy. You really are a gifted writer."

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